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The Royal Navy has been forced to cancel an event involving its huge new aircraft carrier HMS Queen Elizabeth - because of a leak.

Plymouth Live and other members of the media were due to be taken out to the new aircraft carrier - dubbed 'Big Lizzie' - by helicopter, to tour the ship, watch flight training, interview the ship’s Commanding Officer Captain Steve Moorhouse, and other members of the ship’s company.

Those attending the event were due to meet at RNAS at 1pm this afternoon - however, at 11am they received a text message saying the event had been cancelled.

The message read: "We regret to inform you that today's media facility on board HMS Queen Elizabeth has been cancelled due to a change in the ship's programme.

"We will be contacting each of you in due course. We recognise that this is a short-notice cancellation and apologise for the inconvenience caused."

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Then, shortly after 7pm this evening, those attending were told by email there had been a "minor issue with an internal system" and the ship's company had been "required to remove a small volume of water from the ship".

The email reads: "I understand the disappointment following the cancellation of the media facility on board HMS Queen Elizabeth earlier today and apologise for any inconvenience to your organisation. Please see the Royal Navy’s issued statement following the ship’s early return to Portsmouth.

“Following a minor issue with an internal system on HMS Queen Elizabeth, the ship’s company were required to remove a small volume of water from the ship. ”

"HMS Queen Elizabeth has had a minor issue relating to water from an internal system. At no point was there damage or breach to the hull.

"The issue was isolated as soon as possible and all water has now been pumped out.

"The ship, which was due to return to Portsmouth for a planned maintenance period later in the week, is now returning earlier than planned.

"This is a precautionary measure. The cause of the issue is now under investigation."